Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Chronic kidney disease is long-term damage or reduced kidney function that needs regular monitoring and management.

Kidneys filter waste and extra fluid from the blood, help regulate blood pressure and support red blood cell production. CKD can develop gradually, so early changes may be found through routine checks before someone feels unwell.

Many people have no noticeable symptoms early on. As kidney function changes, people with chronic kidney disease can experience fatigue, ankle or facial swelling, changes in urination, muscle cramps, thirst, itching, nausea or restless legs. These symptoms have many possible causes, so they need clinical assessment rather than self-diagnosis.

Diabetes and high blood pressure can damage the kidney filters over time. Other causes include inflammation of the kidney tissue, repeated obstruction to urine flow, inherited conditions and some medicines. The care team will look at your medical history, medicines and test results to identify likely contributors.

The rate of change differs between people. Monitoring blood pressure, urine findings and blood tests helps clinicians see whether kidney function is stable or changing. Treating contributing conditions and avoiding kidney stressors can help preserve remaining function.

A history of diabetes, hypertension, heart or blood vessel disease, kidney disease in the family, recurrent urinary problems or use of medicines that affect the kidneys can make monitoring particularly important. Discuss non-prescription pain medicines, supplements and herbal products with a clinician before using them regularly.

Assessment commonly includes blood tests that estimate kidney filtering, a urine test that looks for blood or protein, and blood pressure measurement. Imaging may be arranged when a structural problem or blockage is suspected. Repeating tests over time helps distinguish a lasting problem from a temporary change.

Treatment aims to manage the cause, reduce strain on the kidneys and address symptoms or complications. This may include medicines for blood pressure or diabetes, changes to medicines that may harm kidney function, dietary advice and planned follow-up. Advanced kidney failure may require specialist discussion of kidney replacement options.

Keep scheduled checks and take medicines as prescribed. A dietitian can give advice matched to your blood results and stage of kidney disease, rather than using a restrictive plan copied from elsewhere. Seek advice before dehydration risks such as vomiting, diarrhoea or fasting, because medicine plans sometimes need adjusting.

CKD can contribute to fluid retention, high potassium, anaemia, bone and mineral problems, raised blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Contact urgent medical care for severe breathlessness, chest pain, confusion, fainting, severe weakness or rapidly increasing swelling.

Keeping blood pressure and blood glucose within the targets agreed with your clinician, staying hydrated when appropriate, not smoking and reviewing medicines can reduce avoidable kidney strain. Regular monitoring is especially useful for people with conditions that can affect the kidneys.

A primary care clinician can organise initial testing and ongoing monitoring. Referral to a kidney specialist may be appropriate when tests change, the cause is uncertain, blood pressure is difficult to manage or treatment needs become more complex.